What are the Symptoms of a Pet Allergy?

Do you think that you may have a pet allergy? If you do, you may be curious as to what some of the symptoms of having a pet allergy are. If this is information that you would like to have, you will want to continue reading on.

When it comes to pet allergies, it is sometimes difficult for some individuals to determine if they truly do have a pet allergy. This is because some of the symptoms that many individuals experience can be caused by other allergies or another, completely different medical complication. That is why it is advised that those who think they may have a pet allergy seek medical advice.

Although the symptoms of having a pet allergy can sometimes be related to another allergy or another medical issue, there are many common symptoms. Sneezing is one of those symptoms. If you regularly find yourself sneezing when pets are present, most commonly cats and dogs, you may have a pet allergy.

In addition to sneezing, those who experience a runny nose or those who have nasal congestion may also be suffering from a pet allergy. As with sneezing, it is important to determine if these symptoms are present when you are around pets only. This is because these symptoms are not only present with other allergies, but they can also sometimes be attributed to a cold. Another related symptom to these pet allergies symptom is that of post nasal drip.

Itchy or watery eyes are another common symptom of having a pet allergy. If you experience itchy or watery eyes when you are around a cat, dog, or another pet, you may have a pet allergy. As for why itchy or watery eyes are a symptom, it is because the pet dander, which many sufferers are allergic to, can get into the eyes and cause irritation, especially when rubbed more.

A skin rash that may resemble an eczema outbreak is another sign or symptom of a pet allergy. In fact, eczema is most commonly associated with trigger factors that individuals are allergic to. A rash is likely to develop after you come into close contact with a pet or dog, especially if you held or pet the dog. Should you develop a skin rash, it is important not to itch, no matter how much it feels like you need to do so, as more skin irritation can occur.

Unfortunately, those individuals who suffer from pet allergies are also likely to suffer from asthma as well. The two combined can lead to painful and irritating symptoms, which tend to include lung congestion, shortness of breath, and wheezing. If you are unable to use medication to seek relief right away, medial attention may be needed.

As it was previously stated, some of the symptoms that many suffering from pet allergies experience can be attributed to other complications. The good news is that it can be relatively easy for you to tell. For example, most individuals experience problems and see the above mentioned symptoms displayed within minutes of coming into contact with a pet. This is a good way to tell if you are suffering from a pet allergy, not another allergy or even a common cold.

As for what causes these symptoms, most individuals are allergic to animal danger, which is the skin that an animal flakes and sheds. With that said, some do experience problems with animal urine, pet hair, and saliva. A doctor or a few experiments performed safely at home can give you a better idea as to what from a pet is causing you to have an allergic reaction.

Speaking of which, it was previously stated, that some individuals have problems with pet hair. That is why many pet owners take steps to make sure their pet’s hair is short. Of course, there is usually no harm that comes from doing so, but many individuals still do not see the relief that they had hoped for. This is because, as previously stated, most are allergic to pet dander, which is the pets flaky skin, not the hair.

Written by dpi on April 26th, 2008 with no comments.
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What to Do When You Suffer From Skin Allergies

Do you suffer from allergies? If you do, your skin may be impacted, often in more ways than one. Unfortunately, skin allergies are one of the most uncomfortable types of allergies to deal with. This is because the rashes that many develop can not only be unattractive, but they can also be itchy and painful.

One of the most common questions asked by those who suffer from skin allergies is how they can go about seeking relief. There are a number of steps that can be and should be taken. One of those steps involves determining what is causing an allergic reaction. For example, do you develop a rash right after doing yard work? If you do, you may have seasonal allergies. Do you develop a rash after holding a cat? If you do, you may have pet allergies, and so forth.

If you do not already know what it causing your skin to have an allergic reaction, you may want to consider scheduling an appointment with your doctor. If you are covered by health insurance, you have nothing to lose by making an appointment. This is important, as many individuals are surprised to learn that what they thought was causing an allergic reaction, isn’t the main trigger factor. Some individuals are even more surprised to learn that they may have multiple trigger factors, like certain foods or chemicals that are found in many household products, such as laundry detergents.

One of the many reasons why you will want to consider seeing a doctor is because they can help you determine what you are allergic to safely. Of course, you can try your own experiments at home, but you will want to proceed with caution. This is important if you think the cause of your skin rash or allergic reaction is food, as your symptoms can become much more severe. That is why you are advised against performing your own allergy tests at home, but if you do, just make sure that you aren’t alone when doing so.

Once you are able to determine what is causing your skin to have an allergic reaction, you can better go about seeking relief. First, over-the-counter allergy medications may be examined. There are also lotions and creams that can provide you with relief from itching and or hives. If you visit your doctor, he or she may be able to recommend specific products to you. If you do not visit a doctor, you should be able to still speak with one of your pharmacists to ask for their input on a certain over-the-counter allergy relief product, free of charge.

It is also important to know that you can seek relief without the use of over-the-counter products. For example, oatmeal when mixed with one cup of boiling water, let cooled, and then strained can provide relief to those who have hives. The water extracted from the oatmeal can be dabbed on the skin. You can also reduce your skin reactions by eliminating or significantly reducing your trigger factors. For example, if you are a pet owner who cannot bear to part with your pet, consider not holding them or petting them without gloves, keeping them out of your bedroom, and investing in an air purifier.

As highlighted above, there are a number of different reasons why you may have an allergic reaction to the skin. Regardless of the cause though, there are a number of ways that you can go about seeking relief.

Written by dpi on April 24th, 2008 with no comments.
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